MGN

Posted: Thu 3:27 PM, Jan 26, 2017

BATON ROUGE, La. (Office of the Governor) - To help elementary and middle school students get fit and stay healthy, fitness icon Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has selected Louisiana for its 2017 'DON’T QUIT!' fitness campaign.

The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to three Louisiana schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit. The nomination process opens Thursday and will run through the end of May.

Educators are encouraged to nominate their school now at http://natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school/.

“I’ve declared war on childhood obesity and it’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Gov. John Bel Edwards immediately jump on board and welcome us into their state to help fight this disease," said Jake Steinfeld. "In fact, every state leader that I’ve met with recognizes that obesity is not a partisan issue; it’s a kids issue, and all have vowed to do everything possible to help. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the United States delivering DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers and the response from students, teachers and the community has been unbelievable. Kids are excited about working out and being physically active and, as a result, their academic performance and self-esteem are skyrocketing. Now, Louisiana schools have an opportunity to make a change that will have a lasting impact on kids well into their future.”

“Louisiana is working hard to reverse the trends of childhood obesity, and I couldn’t be happier that Jake Steinfeld and his organization have chosen to help our children make positive strides in getting active and fit,” said Gov. Edwards. “Making healthy changes today lays a foundation that will help our children lead a healthier life tomorrow. I encourage every elementary and middle school in Louisiana to nominate their school to be in the running for a brand new fitness center.”

The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program will make its way into all 50 states in the coming years. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Amerigroup Foundation and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. TuffStuff Fitness International provides all of the fitness equipment, which is manufactured right here in the United States. The Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

“I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact fitness centers have had on students and their communities," continued Steinfeld. "When you provide schools with the tools and inspiration, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Our children are our most precious resource and by providing them with a strong foundation in health and fitness, we can feel confident that they’ll excel beyond their wildest dreams.”

Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs.

The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, California, New Mexico, Connecticut, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin and Arizona. In 2017, new fitness centers will be delivered in Louisiana, Maryland and Colorado.

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